Krokan, a traditional Norwegian dessert, is an easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With just four simple ingredients and a few simple steps, you can learn how to make the perfect Krokan right in your own kitchen!
The best part? You can customize this to your own tastes with different kinds of nuts and flavours. Keep reading to learn how to make the perfect traditional Krokan recipe!
What is Krokan?
Krokan is a traditional Norwegian dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just four simple ingredients: water, salt, hazelnuts, and almonds.
The mixture of these ingredients creates a paste-like consistency which is then formed into small balls and baked in the oven. Krokan can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.
Whether you like it sweeter or nuttier, you can adjust the recipe to your liking. The addition of vanilla extract also adds a lovely hint of flavour to the dessert. You can also top Krokan with different toppings such as chocolate chips or crushed nuts for a crunchier texture.
What does it taste like?
Krokan has a unique flavour that is both sweet and nutty. The hazelnuts and almonds give the Krokan an unmistakable nutty taste, while the vanilla extract adds an extra layer of sweetness. The final result is a delicious dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
It’s also worth noting that Krokan is incredibly filling and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. If you’re looking for something light and sweet, Krokan is definitely an excellent choice!
How did I first get introduced to the Krokan?
I first got introduced to the traditional Norwegian dessert Krokan when I was travelling through Norway. Everywhere I went, it seemed like everyone was talking about this delicious treat and how easy it was to make at home. After sampling some of the local Krokan, I knew that I wanted to recreate it myself!
So, when I returned home, I set out to find a traditional Krokan recipe. After some research, I came across the perfect one that included just four simple ingredients: water, salt, hazelnuts, and almonds. This recipe was easy enough for even the most novice baker to follow along with!
Using this recipe as my guide, I gathered the ingredients and set out to recreate this classic dessert. I began by bringing a small saucepan of water and salt to a boil, then reducing the heat and stirring in the hazelnuts and almonds. After simmering for 10 minutes, I drained any excess liquid before transferring the mixture into a food processor or blender.
Next, I added the vanilla extract and granulated sugar to give it that extra layer of sweetness, then blended the mixture until it formed a paste-like consistency. I separated the nut paste into small balls and placed them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet before popping them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Once my Krokan had finished cooking, I removed them from the oven and allowed them to cool before serving. The result was a delicious dessert that tasted just like the traditional Norwegian treat I had tried when travelling!
Since that first attempt, I’ve been experimenting with different variations of Krokan recipes. From adding different nuts or flavours to mixing in chocolate chips or crushed nuts for an extra crunchy texture, there are so many different ways to enjoy this classic dessert.
Krokan is an incredibly simple recipe that can be adapted to suit any taste, making it a great go-to for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for a snack or a sweet treat, traditional Norwegian Krokan is sure to hit the spot.
How to make Krokan?
Making Krokan is incredibly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect traditional Krokan in your own kitchen!
You May Also Like These Dessert Recipes:
- DIY Maple Nut Goodies Recipe
- First Watch-Inspired Pancake Recipe
- Creating an Organic Apple Pie from Scratch
Ingredients
- Water: This is used to make a syrup.
- Salt: This is an important ingredient in the recipe that helps bring out the sweetness of the sugar and finely grind the nuts.
- Hazelnuts: You can use either roasted or raw hazelnuts for this recipe; they add crunchiness, flavour and texture.
- Almonds: Almonds give Krokan a nutty flavour and a slight crunch.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds an extra layer of flavour to the Krokan.
- Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the recipe and help bind it together.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a small saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and stir in the hazelnuts and almonds. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and drain off any excess liquid.
Step 2
Transfer the nuts to a food processor or blender, adding the vanilla extract and granulated sugar. Blend until the mixture is a paste-like consistency.
Step 3
Separate the nut paste into small balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 4
Allow the Krokan to cool before serving.
Tips
- If you like your Krokan sweeter, add extra granulated sugar to the mixture before baking.
- For a crunchier texture, sprinkle crushed nuts on top of the Krokan before baking.
- Add a dash of cinnamon for an extra hint of flavour!
- You can also try adding other types of nuts such as walnuts or pecans for an interesting twist on the classic recipe.
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Bring a small saucepan of water and salt to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and stir in the hazelnuts and almonds. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess liquid then transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender.
- Add the vanilla extract and granulated sugar to the blender and blend until a paste-like consistency is achieved.
- Separate the nut paste into small balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Place in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the Krokan to cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- If you like your Krokan sweeter, add extra granulated sugar to the mixture before baking.
- For a crunchier texture, sprinkle crushed nuts on top of the Krokan before baking.
- Add a dash of cinnamon for an extra hint of flavour!
- You can also try adding other types of nuts such as walnuts or pecans for an interesting twist on the classic recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Krokan?
Here are some ideas of what to serve with Krokan:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce or melted chocolate
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
How to store leftover Krokan?
Leftover Krokan can be stored in an airtight container and kept at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can also store the Krokan in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Before serving, simply reheat the Krokan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warm and crispy. Alternatively, you can also freeze the Krokan for up to 3 months.
To do this, simply place the cooled Krokan balls in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until warm and crispy.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely enjoy Krokan as part of their diet. As with any food item, it is important to be aware of the ingredients and how they may affect your health. For example, consuming too much sodium or sugar during pregnancy could lead to dehydration and other complications such as gestational diabetes.
However, when consumed in moderation, traditional Norwegian Krokan can be enjoyed as a tasty treat without any health risks. When preparing Krokan for pregnant women, it is important to keep the amount of sugar and salt in mind.
As mentioned above, these ingredients should not be consumed in large amounts as they can increase the risk of dehydration and other complications. However, if the recipe includes vanilla extract or other flavours such as cinnamon, these can be used to add sweetness and flavour without adding too much sugar.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the nuts are roasted or cooked properly as raw nuts may contain bacteria that could cause food poisoning.
FAQs
Can I make this without adding sugar?
Yes, you can easily make traditional Krokan without the addition of sugar. Simply skip the granulated sugar from the recipe and add a few dates or other natural sweeteners to enhance the flavour. You could also try substituting some of the hazelnuts for almonds as they have a slightly sweeter taste.
Is this suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, traditional Norwegian Krokan is suitable for vegan diets as it does not contain any animal products. Simply ensure you are using vegan-friendly ingredients such as plant-based milk, instead of cow’s milk for the syrup.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily make Krokan in a slow cooker or crock pot. Simply combine all the ingredients as per the instructions and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, allow to cool before serving.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we’ve given you a step-by-step guide to making traditional Norwegian Krokan in your own kitchen, as well as some tips and suggestions for how to customize it.
Whether you’re looking for a snack, a side dish or a dessert to serve at your next event, Krokan is sure to be a hit! With its sweet and nutty flavour, it’s the perfect treat that can be easily adapted to suit any taste.
Thank you for reading this article. Please share this with your friends and family so that they too can discover the deliciousness of Krokan!
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
- Preparing a Homemade Juicy Crab Seafood Boil
- Crafting Your Own Koo Koo Ca Choo Dish
- Red Lobster’s Lobster Punch Recipe for You to Try
Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more